Abstract

The present study developed and validated the Perception of Wife Battery Scale (PWBS) to assess culturally grounded beliefs and attitudes toward wife battering. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 204 participants and analysed using exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing, and construct validation procedures. The suitability of the data for factor analysis was confirmed by a meritorious Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value (.85) and a significant Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity, χ²(190) = 1389.71, p < .001. Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation yielded a four-factor structure comprising Psychological and Behavioural Risk Factors, Patriarchal and Normative Beliefs, Cultural Masculinity Ideology, and Protective and Preventive Factors, collectively explaining 54.06% of the total variance. One item was removed due to weak factor loading, resulting in a final 19-item scale. The PWBS demonstrated moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .65), acceptable for a newly developed multidimensional instrument. Concurrent validity was supported by a significant positive correlation with the Domestic Violence Myth Acceptance Scale (r = .44, p < .001), while discriminant validity was established through a non-significant association with self-esteem (r = –.02, p > .05). Overall, the findings indicate that the PWBS is a psychometrically sound and culturally relevant measure for assessing perceptions of wife battering. The scale holds promise for research, policy evaluation, and intervention efforts aimed at addressing intimate partner violence within Nigeria and similar socio-cultural contexts.

Keywords

  • Perception of wife battering
  • intimate partner violence
  • scale development and validation
  • Nigeria

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